Course Description

This new 5 hour online course contains 12 modules which cover the theory of the role of plaque in dental diseases and how plaque indices and saliva testing can be carried out as part of the treatment/prevention of dental diseases.  Delegates can test their knowledge with a series of case studies and gain practical experience in their own practice, supervised by a GDC registered dentist using the downloadable record of experience.  Following completion of the online modules delegates will be asked to complete a course feedback form and will receive a course certificate for 6 hours verifiable CPD.


Aims & Objectives

The aim of this course is to increase the delegate’s knowledge of plaque development and the role of saliva and to provide a chance to attain practical skills in recording plaque indices and saliva testing.

By the end of the course, delegates should be able to:-

  • Describe plaque development
  • List the different types of plaque indices available
  • Carry out a plaque free score
  • Discuss the role of saliva in the oral cavity
  • List the process for testing saliva flow

Dental Therapist

Melanie Joyce

Melanie started out as a dental nurse and in more recent years qualified with merit as a dental hygienist and therapist, she also holds qualifications in management and teaching in addition to her dental qualifications. Over her career so far Melanie has been active in the dental industry, doing voluntary work, teaching dental nurses, writing a number of educational and clinical articles for a dental nursing magazine as well as taking the opportunity to be the north east regional co-ordinator for the BADN back in 2007 and now plays a role in the north east region for the BADT

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Introduction Module
  • 2

    Curriculum

    • Plaque Development

    • Plaque Development Quiz

    • Plaque Related Diseases

    • Plaque Related Diseases Quiz

    • Risk Assesment

    • Risk Assessment Quiz

    • Plaque Indices

    • Plaque Indices Quiz

    • Plaque Free Score Demonstration

    • Plaque Free Score Demonstration Quiz

    • The Role of Saliva

    • The Role of Saliva Quiz

    • Caries Risk Test

    • Caries Test Quiz

    • Testing for Saliva Flow Rate

    • Testing for Saliva Flow Rate

    • Testing for Saliva Buffer Capacity

    • Testing for Saliva Buffer Capacity

    • Testing for Saliva and Plauque for Cariogenic Bacteria

    • Testing for Saliva and Plaque for Cariogenic Bacteria Quiz

    • Using the Results

    • Using the Results Quiz

    • Record of Experience
  • 3

    Documents

    • Plaque Indices for Dental Nurses ROE Sheet

    • Plaque Indices for Dental Nurses record sheet

    • ROE student details sheet plaque indices and saliva testing

    • Saliva Testing for Dental Nurses record sheet

    • Saliva Testing for Dental Nurses ROE Sheet